JPH0844807A - Bar code printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily read a bar code by deciding the optimum ratio of thick bar width to fine bar width optimum for a bar code reader to read the bar code and printing the bar code based on that ratio. CONSTITUTION:When a connected bar code reader 20 reads the various bar codes printed based on the various ratios of thick bar width to fine bar width, a reading possibility/impossibility jedging means 17 judges whether the bar codes can be read or not. A storage means 18 stores the judged results for reading bar codes for each ratio. Based on the decided results stored in the storage means 18, an optimum ratio deciding means 19 decides the optimum ratio to provide the bar code optimum for the connected bar code reader 20 to read the bar code. A ratio storage means 22 stores the various ratios including the decided optimum ratio. A plotting means 21 plots the bar code based on the decided optimum ratio or the instructed ratio. Thus, the bar code can be easily read.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bar code printing apparatus for printing a bar code, and in particular, when printing various bar codes, various bar code reading apparatuses and resolutions of the printing apparatus. The present invention relates to a barcode printing device for optimally printing barcodes. The bar code has rules for bar width, magnification, etc., and the rules are different for each bar code type. JAN / UPC / EAN
/ NW-7 and the like have almost the same rules, but the bar code for distribution has its own rules.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a bar code printer shown in FIG. The bar code printing device is a bar code specifying means 9 for specifying a bar code by specifying a bar code type, bar code data, a magnification and a development position.
0 and drawing means 91 for drawing the designated barcode
And

In the conventional bar code printer, the ratio of the thick bar width to the thin bar width of the bar code is
It is determined by the type and magnification of the barcode designated by the barcode designation means 90. Therefore, in the barcode drawn by the drawing means 91,
The ratio cannot be changed.

In the conventional bar code printer, the bar code is printed in accordance with the standard value of the bar code, but the bar code reader uses the bar size and the thick bar width capable of reading the bar code. And the narrow bar width are fixed, and the size and the ratio are different for each bar code reader. In addition, bar codes, bar widths, magnifications, and other rules are established for each bar code, and these rules are different for each bar code type. JAN / UPC / EAN
/ NW-7 and the like have almost the same rules, but the bar code for distribution has its own rules. In the conventional method, a method of printing the maximum bar code in a designated frame from the host was used. Therefore, the system selects and prints the maximum barcode within the allowable range of barcode regulations.

The system has selected and printed the maximum barcode within the allowable range of barcode regulations. for that reason,
It has the fixed information necessary to print a barcode that is within the permissible range by convention.

[0006]

In the prior art, as described above, the bar code reader determines the size of the bar code to be read, the ratio of the thick bar width to the thin bar width, and the like. However, the size, the ratio, etc. are different for each bar code reader. On the other hand, in the bar code printer, the ratio of the thick bar width to the thin bar width is fixed and used.

Therefore, there is a problem that the reading rate of the printed bar code is low depending on the bar code reading device even though the printed bar code satisfies the value in accordance with the regulations. . This point will be described in detail below. In the conventional printing of barcodes, when printing is normally performed with a black bar width and a white bar width of 1: 1, for example, as shown in FIG. When the black bar width is printed, dots are connected vertically and horizontally, but diagonally they are not connected and a gap is created. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, dots are printed by multiplying by √2 to fill the gap. Further, the difference in width between the white bar and the black bar caused by this is shown in the table of FIG.
Black: N dots and white: N + 1 dots are corrected so that the widths are almost the same. Here, refer to the table of FIG. 11C for the dot widths of the thick bar and the thin bar.

By the way, the dot width is a standard for a narrow bar width,
The minimum value of the black bar is 2 from "narrow bar width ≥ 0.191 mm"
The dots are 3 dots because the white bar is N + 1, and the maximum value is 5 dots (6 dots for white) to ensure compatibility with conventional devices (see FIG. 12 (b)). At that time, since the calculation of the bar width correction processing is thin bar width × 3 = thick bar width, as shown in FIG. 11D, as the magnification is increased, the ratio becomes the ratio of the bar code size (2.0 to It approaches 3.0 of 3.0). At this time, the ratio of the bar code reader is 2.
When the value is close to 0, the bar code reading rate becomes poor, which is a problem.

Here, there is a rule that the ratio must be within a ratio of wide bar width: narrow bar width = 2.0 to 3.0: 1 except for a specific bar code. Further, when the size of the bar code is changed and the size of the beam diameter used in the bar code printer is changed, FIG.
There is a problem that the bar width does not become as shown in the table of (a), and if the bar code is printed while the beam diameter is changed, the size of the bar code becomes out of proportion.

Further, in the past, as described above, since the bar code printing device has a fixed resolution,
The character constant indicating the position of the character was fixed and held. However, when using a bar code printing device that can change the resolution, the character constant is fixed, so depending on the resolution, the lower character that does not meet the above rules may be printed, and the bar code may not be read. There was a problem that the situation that cannot be done occurs.

Further, in the past, since the bar code printing apparatus had a fixed resolution, the table (dot value) prepared for printing the maximum bar code was held fixed. However, if the resolution changes, the table value to be prepared also changes, so this table must be changed according to the resolution. Therefore, in the case of a printer having multiple resolutions, this table must be prepared for each resolution. I won't. Further, since the barcode pattern is also enlarged when the maximum barcode is printed after the maximum magnification is obtained from the table, it is necessary to prepare this enlargement value for each resolution.

Therefore, the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above technical problems, and an optimum ratio of a wide bar width and a narrow bar width, which is optimum for reading a bar code of a bar code reader. Is determined and the barcode is printed based on the ratio, and the barcode is printed out by the barcode printer with the purpose of providing a barcode printer that is easy to read by the barcode reader. By specifying the bar code reader for the purpose of making it possible to obtain a highly reliable bar code suitable for the bar code reader by changing the ratio of the thick bar width and the thin bar width of The barcode with the optimum ratio for the specified barcode reader can be obtained, and the barcode reader can easily read the barcode with a simple operation. In order to provide a high-quality bar code printing device, by changing the beam diameter of the laser light on which the bar code is printed, the specified bar code reading device and the bar code that matches the specified ratio information It is intended to provide a bar code printing device which is easy to read by printing a bar code reading device. By obtaining bar code related information that matches the resolution and printing the bar code, the bar code reading device It is an object of the present invention to provide a barcode printing apparatus which is easy to read by the apparatus and which does not require the user to be aware of the change in resolution.

[0013]

In order to solve the above technical problems, the first invention is a bar code printer which can be connected to a bar code reader 20 as shown in FIG. Readability determination means 17 for determining readability when various barcodes printed based on various ratios of the thick bar width and the thin bar width are read by the connected barcode reading device 20. Optimal for reading barcodes for the connected barcode reading device 20 based on the accumulation means 18 for accumulating determination results of barcode reading for each of the various ratios and the determination results accumulated in the accumulation means 18. Optimal ratio determining means 19 for determining the optimum ratio for obtaining a bar code, ratio storing means 22 for storing the determined optimum ratio or ratio, and the determined optimum ratio or instructed ratio. Based on those having a drawing means 21 for drawing the bar code.

Here, the "ratio" means the ratio of the thick bar width and the thin bar width of the bar code. In the past, it was fixed at only one ratio. In the present invention, this ratio is variable. In addition, "drawing" means the barcode pattern, magnification, overall barcode width, height, bar width,
This is done by generating drawing data such as the development position.
Based on this drawing data, the printing mechanism of the barcode printing device prints the corresponding barcode.

The second invention is, as shown in FIG. 2, a bar code designating means 1 for designating a bar code by designating a bar code type, bar code data, and a magnification.
0, the ratio designating means 11 for designating the ratio of the thick bar width and the thin bar width of the barcode, and based on the designated ratio,
It has a drawing means 12 for drawing a designated bar code.

"Bar code type" means, for example, JA
There are N, UPC, EAN, NW-7 or physical distribution bar codes. “Bar code data” is data such as numbers and characters that are to be converted into a bar code. "Bar code type, bar code data, and magnification" are data that have conventionally been required to specify a barcode (shape thereof), and by this, the barcode to be printed is specified. .

However, in the present invention, the previously fixed ratio described above is made variable so that the ratio is also one element for designating the shape of the bar code. If the bar code type is a physical distribution bar code, there are further types according to the presence / absence of a bare rubber and the presence / absence of an add-on. In the case of a physical distribution barcode, the "magnification" is performed by designating a frame.

A third aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, is a bar code designating means 10 for designating a bar code by designating at least a bar code type, bar code data, and a magnification, and reading the bar code. The reading device designating means 14 for designating the bar code reading device and the ratio between the thick bar width and the thin bar width of the bar code, which is optimum for reading the bar code reading device, is determined for each bar code reading device. Per-device ratio storage means 16 for storing the represented optimum ratio
And a drawing means 15 for drawing the specified barcode based on the optimum ratio corresponding to the specified barcode reading device.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, at least the bar code designating means 10 for designating the bar code by designating the bar code type, the bar code data, and the magnification, and printing are performed. It has a beam diameter designating means 8 for designating the beam diameter of the laser light, and a drawing means 7 for drawing the designated bar code based on the designated beam diameter.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a bar code printing apparatus capable of setting two or more resolutions, as shown in FIG.
Based on at least the barcode designating means 10 for designating the barcode by designating the barcode type, the barcode data, and the magnification, the resolution recognizing means 23 for recognizing the set resolution, and the recognized resolution. A related information calculating means 24 for each resolution for calculating related information such as a formula or a numerical value related to the bar code determined by the type of bar code, bar code data or magnification, and a relationship for each resolution storing the calculated related information. The information storage means 25 and the drawing means 26 for drawing a designated bar code based on the related information stored in the per-resolution related information storage means 25 are provided.

Here, "resolution" means the number of dots per unit length, for example, the number of dots per inch (= 25.4 mm). The "related information" refers to an expression, a numerical value, or the like related to the barcode, and for example, as shown in the embodiment, an expression representing a character constant that determines the arrangement state of the characters accompanying the barcode, or another embodiment. As shown in, there is an expression representing the physical distribution barcode value such as the overall width, height, and margin of the physical distribution barcode.

The character constant is data that determines the arrangement position, the size of the arranged character, etc., and the character is arranged in the vicinity of the bar code, especially in the lower part, and the arrangement position is
It is determined by the bar code rules. The bar code rules are defined for each type such as JAN / EAN / UPC / distribution bar code. In the present invention, the barcode type, barcode data,
Also, not only the ratio and the magnification but also the ratio may be designated, and the related information may be information depending on the ratio.

[0023]

Next, the processing operation of the first invention will be described with reference to FIG.
And FIG. 6 will be described. In step S1, for example, the barcode reading device 20 is connected to the barcode printing device. Various barcodes printed based on various ratios of the thick bar width and the thin bar width are read by the barcode reading device 20 connected to the barcode printing device.

At this time, the readability determination means 17 determines the readability of each bar code having various ratios. In step S2, the determination result of the reading is accumulated in the accumulating unit 18 in correspondence with the ratio set in the barcode. In step S3, the optimum ratio determining unit 19 determines the optimum ratio for obtaining the bar code optimum for reading the bar code for the connected bar code reader 20 based on the determination result stored in the storage unit 18. decide. The determined optimum ratio is stored in the ratio storage means 22.

In step S4, the drawing means 21 draws the bar code based on the determined optimum ratio or the instructed ratio. Here, the readability determination means 1
Whether or not the reading is possible is performed by, for example, creating a plurality of barcodes having various ratios in advance, sequentially reading the barcodes by a barcode reading device, and printing the barcodes by connecting the readability by a cable. It is possible to judge what is transmitted by the device, or, for example, while the bar code printing device outputs the bar codes having various ratios, the bar code reading device connected to the printing device simultaneously reads the bar codes at the same time. Then, the readability determination means 17 may determine the read.

To determine the optimum ratio, for example,
Of the total number of multiple barcodes that correspond to the same ratio,
The ratio at which the reading rate of the bar code for which the reading is determined as “OK” is the highest is determined as the optimum ratio. In addition, the ratio of the intermediate value of the bar code ratios for which the reading is determined to be “OK” is determined as the optimum ratio, and the average value of the bar code ratios for which the reading is determined is determined. It is also possible to determine the ratio that satisfies the above as the optimum ratio.

Next, the processing operation of the second invention will be described. The barcode designation means 10 designates a barcode by designating the type of barcode, barcode data, and magnification. Further, the ratio designating unit 11 designates the ratio between the thick bar width and the thin bar width of the barcode.

In the present invention, the shape of the bar code is not completely determined because the ratio is variable even if the magnification is specified by the bar code specifying means 10. Ratio designating means 11
Therefore, in order to completely determine the shape of the barcode, it is necessary to arbitrarily specify the ratio from the outside. The drawing means 1
2 is the specified barcode type, barcode data,
Draw a barcode based on the magnification and ratio.

Next, the processing operation of the third invention will be described. The bar code designating means 10 designates a bar code type, bar code data and a magnification, and the reading device designating means 14 designates a bar code reading device for reading a bar code. Then, the drawing means 15 reads out the optimum ratio corresponding to the specified bar code reading device from the device ratio storage means 16, and reads out the specified bar code type, bar code data and magnification. Based on the optimum ratio, the bar code is drawn at the optimum ratio for the bar code reader. This can prevent erroneous reading of the barcode reading device.

The operation process of the fourth invention will be described. The bar code designating means 10 designates a bar code type, a bar code data magnification and a development position, and the beam diameter designating means 8 designates a beam diameter. Then, the drawing unit 7 draws the specified bar code with the specified beam diameter.

The beam diameter is the diameter of the region on the image carrier where the charges are removed by irradiating the image carrier with laser light when exposure is performed, and the irradiation time is adjusted. It is realized by By changing the beam diameter, it is possible to change the barcode ratio.

Therefore, it is possible to print the bar code having the optimum ratio for each bar code reader. Next, the processing operation of the fifth invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7. The present invention is premised on a bar code printer capable of setting two or more resolutions.

The bar code printing apparatus has a variable resolution, and the resolution is preset and used. In step S10, the resolution recognition means 23 recognizes the set resolution. In step S11, the per-resolution related information calculating means 24 calculates the related information based on the recognized multiplication factor.

Here, the "related information" includes, for example, an expression representing a character constant indicating the arrangement state of the characters accompanying the barcode, or a physical distribution barcode such as the entire width and height of the physical distribution barcode. There are values etc. In step S12, the calculated related information is stored in the resolution related information storage unit 25 for each resolution.

In step S13, when the bar code is designated by designating the bar code type, the bar code data, etc. from the bar code designating means 10, the bar code related to the specified bar code is identified. The barcode is read out from the storage means 25. When the designated bar code is not a physical distribution bar code and a character is attached, the related information is an expression representing a character constant, and the drawing unit 26 obtains the character arrangement position based on the expression. When the specified barcode is a physical distribution barcode, the maximum magnification value that fits in the specified frame is calculated based on the formula that represents the physical distribution barcode value as related information, and the maximum magnification value is calculated from the maximum magnification value. Further, the overall width, height, margin, etc. of the physical distribution barcode are obtained, and the physical distribution barcode is drawn. Renders the specified barcode.

[0036]

EXAMPLE An example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a device configuration according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the barcode printing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a host 30 that gives various instructions,
And a printing device 32. Further, a barcode reading device 33 can be connected to the printing device 32.

The host 30 is instructed to print a bar code, specifies bar code data, etc., or specifies a bar code reading device for reading a bar code.
The printing device 32, as shown in FIG.
And a ROM 35a for performing various controls relating to
And a memory 35 having a RAM 35b and a file 36
And an interface 37 such as RS232C for connecting between the barcode reading device 33 and the printing device 32.
A cable 53 that connects the printing device 32 and the barcode reading device 33, a mechanism unit 38 that performs printing, and an operation unit 39 that receives various instructions from the operator.

The bar code reading device 33 has
An optical scanning unit 40, a light detection unit 41, a binarization circuit 42 that binarizes the detected analog data and converts it into a digital signal, and a demodulation circuit that extracts a bar code signal from the digital signal and demodulates it. 43 and a reading unit 44 for decoding the demodulated bar code signal. The host 3
0 is connected to printing device 32 by channel 31.

Next, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, a barcode reading device 33 is connected to the printing device 32 according to the present embodiment by a connection cable 53, and the data read by the barcode reading device 33 is sent to the printing device 32. In addition, a read availability determination unit 47 that determines whether or not the connected barcode reader 33 can read the barcode for each printed barcode based on various ratios of the thick bar width and the thin bar width, and the respective ratios. For each time, based on the storage unit 51 that stores the determination result of whether or not the barcode can be read and the determination result stored in the storage unit 51, it is optimal for the connected barcode reading device 33 to read the barcode. Based on the determined optimal ratio or the instructed ratio, the optimal ratio determination unit 48 that determines the optimal ratio for obtaining the barcode, the ratio storage unit 50 that stores the determined optimal ratio or ratio, It has a drawing unit 49 for drawing.

Further, a drawing data holding section 52 for holding the bar code pattern obtained by the drawing section 49 and drawing data such as the total width and height of the bar code, and the host 3
It has at least a data conversion unit 54 for converting data from 0 to an address signal for the memory, and a printing mechanism 38a. Further, the host 30 has a barcode designating section 55 for designating a barcode by designating a barcode type, barcode data, a magnification, and a development position. The readability determination unit 47, the optimum ratio determination unit 48, and the drawing unit 49 include a CPU and a ROM.
The ratio storage unit 50, the storage unit 51, and the drawing data holding unit 52 correspond to a portion 46 including a RAM and a file.

FIG. 10A shows the bar width corresponding to each dot of the black bar and the white bar. Here, per inch
The lattice spacing is 0.1058 mm when there are 240 lattices.
The case where the beam diameter is √2 times the lattice spacing (= 0.150 mm) is shown. Here, the lattice spacing is A, the beam diameter is B,
When the number of dots is N, the black bar width KB = NA + B
And the white bar width SB = (N + 1) A−B.

In addition, the minimum value of the thin bar width is 0.191 mm by convention.
There is a limitation with. The maximum value of the thin bar must be compatible with the conventional device. Therefore, black /
The minimum and maximum values of the number of dots in the white bar are shown in FIG.
As shown in the table, the black bar width is 2 dots or more, and the white bar width is 3 dots.
It is more than a dot. By the way, as shown in FIG. 11, when printing a black bar and a white bar at a ratio of 1: 1, when two or more consecutive black bars are printed, the dots The vertical and horizontal directions are connected, but the diagonal is not connected (A in the figure).

In the same figure (b), in order to connect the dots and the slant of the dots, the black part is printed with a size of √2 times, so that the dots and the slant part of the dot are connected and the above-mentioned blank space is formed. It shows the case where the parts are gone. Then, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), there is a problem that the width of the white bar sandwiched between the black bars is narrowed. That is, the white bar width A is narrower than the black bar width B in FIG.

By the way, the width of the thin bar (thin black bar or thin white bar) must be 0.191 mm or more. Therefore, from the table showing the bar width values at each dot in FIG. 10A, it is understood that the bar width of 0.191 mm or more is the black bar of 2 dots or more. Also,
When the white bar width is 3 dots, 0.2732 mm is more than the bar width of 0.191 mm and when the black bar is 2 dots, the width is 0.2.
It is the closest value to 2558 mm. In other words, it can be said that the white bar is almost equal to the value one dot larger than the black bar.
From this, the equation for the correction processing of the number of dots of the black bar width and the number of dots of the white bar width can be expressed as follows using the horizontal width magnification.

That is, thin black bar width = (horizontal width magnification−1) thin white bar width = (horizontal width magnification−1) +1 thick black bar width = (horizontal width magnification−1) × 3 thick white bar width = (horizontal width magnification− 1) × 3 + 1 By performing this correction, it is possible to print a black bar and a white bar having substantially the same width. However, JAN, EAN,
UPC and CODE128 do not perform bar width correction processing because the value before this correction falls within the tolerance.

FIG. 10C shows the correspondence between the bar width and the number of dots for each lateral width magnification. Therefore, the black bar ratio and the white bar ratio obtained from FIGS. 10A and 10C are as shown in FIG. 10D. By calculating in the same manner, FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the magnification and various ratios. Here, for each number in each "thin" and "thick", the left digit indicates the number of black dots,
The right digit represents a white dot. The table is the ratio storage unit 5
It is stored in 0.

Further, as shown in the example in FIG. 13, the accumulating section 51 accumulates the judgment results for each of various magnifications and ratios, and also shows the reading rate indicating the ratio of readability. There is. Further, for each magnification, the maximum reading rate is stored in the optimum ratio storage unit 0 as the optimum ratio.

For example, in the case shown in FIG. 13, the magnification is 3.
The optimum ratio is 2.6 at double, the optimum ratio is 2.7 when the ratio is 4, and the optimum ratio is 2. when the ratio is 5.
5 and the magnification is 6 times, the optimum ratio is 2.3 and
2.5. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described based on FIG. As shown in the figure, the data designating unit 55 of the host 30 designates the barcode on the printing device 32 by designating the type of barcode, the barcode data, the magnification (3 times), and the expansion position. To do.

In step S20, based on the designated 3 × magnification, the drawing unit 49 uses the table shown in FIG. 12 stored in the ratio storage unit 50 to calculate the ratio 2.2 corresponding to the 3 × magnification. And the ratio of 2.6, the lower ratio of 2.
Select 2 automatically or by instructions and take out. As long as printing is continued in step S21, step S2
2, the drawing unit 49 generates corresponding drawing data based on the extracted ratio 2.2 and the specified data, and holds the drawing data in the drawing data holding unit 52.
It is printed out via 8a.

At this time, the readability judgment unit 47 adds the denominator of the expression representing the ratio of the ratio 2.2 in the table stored in the storage unit 51 shown in FIG. To do. In step S23, the barcode reading device 33 reads the output barcode and sends the data obtained by the reading unit 44 to the printing device 32 via the cable 53 and the interface 37.

In step S24, the readability determination unit 4
7 determines whether the sent data can be read,
If it is determined that the numerator has been read, the numerator of the expression representing the ratio of the area corresponding to the magnification of 3 times the ratio 2.2 in the table shown in FIG. In step S25, the optimum ratio determining unit 48
Calculates the reading rate at the location where the denominator is added and stores it in the relevant location of the storage unit 51.

Further, in step S26, the optimum ratio determining unit 48 determines that the reading ratio of the current ratio (the ratio between the thick bar width and the thin bar width) is higher than the other ratio (the same ratio, in this case, 3 times). Determine if they are high or all the same. If the reading rate is higher than the other rates or all the rates are the same, the process returns to step S21 and continues until the printing is completed. In such a case, for example, the reading rate is "1".

When the total number of readings is "0", the reading rate is "1". On the other hand, if the reading rate is lower than the other rates, the process proceeds to step S27. In such a case, for example, the reading rate is "0". In step S27, the ratio with the highest reading rate at the current magnification is taken out, the process returns to step S21, and printing is continued until the end. For example, when the magnification is set to 3, as is apparent from the table shown in FIG. 13 stored in the storage unit 51, the ratio is changed to “2.6” and printing is continued.

In this way, the optimum ratio determining unit 48
Is stored in the ratio information storage unit 50 as the optimum ratio of the highest reading rate at each magnification. Next, a second embodiment will be described based on FIG. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a bar code designating section 63 for designating a bar code by designating a bar code type, bar code data, a magnification, and a development position, and a bar code reading bar. A reading device designating unit 67 for designating a code reading device is provided in the host 30, and the printing device 32 draws the designated barcode based on the optimum ratio corresponding to the designated barcode reading device. A drawing unit 64 that performs the above, an optimum ratio storage unit 65 that stores an optimum ratio that is optimum for reading the barcode of the barcode reader, and a drawing data holding unit that holds the drawing data. Section 66 and printing mechanism 38a
Have and.

Here, the drawing unit 64 has a CPU and an RO.
The portion 61 corresponds to M, and the optimum ratio storage unit 65 and the drawing data holding unit 66 are portions 62 corresponding to the RAM and the file. Next, the processing operation of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an optimum ratio is created in advance for each bar code reader according to the first embodiment and stored in the optimum ratio storage unit 65.

The bar code specifying section 63 of the host 30 specifies the bar code, the bar code data, the magnification, and the expansion position, thereby specifying the bar code and reading the bar code. The device is designated by the reading device designation unit 67. Then, the drawing unit 64 reads the optimum ratio corresponding to the specified bar code reading device from the optimum ratio storage unit 65 for the magnification specified by the host 30, and specifies the optimum ratio based on the optimum ratio. Draw a barcode.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, for a barcode printing apparatus capable of setting two or more resolutions, the barcode is designated by designating the type of barcode, barcode data, magnification and expansion position. The barcode specifying unit 78 is provided in the host 30, and the resolution recognizing unit 73 that recognizes the set resolution.
And a resolution-specific character constant calculation unit 74 that calculates an expression that represents a character constant that indicates the arrangement state of the characters that accompany the barcode based on the recognized resolution, and a resolution that stores the expression that represents the calculated character constant. A character constant storage section 76 for each character, a drawing section 75 for drawing the bar code designated by determining the arrangement position of the character based on the formula stored in the character constant storage section for each resolution 76, and a drawing section The printing mechanism 38a includes a drawing data holding unit 77 that holds drawing data such as a bar code pattern and character constants of the bar code generated by the 75.

Here, the resolution recognition unit 73, the character constant calculation unit for each resolution 74, and the drawing unit 75 are the CPU and the RO.
The portion 71 corresponding to M, the character constant storage for each resolution 76, and the drawing data holding portion 77 correspond to a portion 72 corresponding to a RAM and a file. Here, the character constants associated with the barcode will be described with reference to FIG. 17 for various barcodes.

FIG. 11A shows JAN (when the flag character is arranged in the center). In this case, the flag character is located at the center of the bar as shown in FIG. Since the lower character is equivalent to 10 cpi (character per inch), the size (dot) per character can be calculated by the following formula. CHR (size per character, unit is dot) = resolution ÷ 10 (cpi) Further, the arrangement position (x1, y1) of the flag character is
The arrangement position of the bar code is shown in the following formula using (x2, y2).

X1 = x2− (8 × magnification + CHR / 2) y1 = y2 + (bar length / 2−CHR) By obtaining this CHR for each resolution, a flag character independent of the resolution is arranged. be able to. An expression having a fixed resolution is stored in the character constant storage unit for each resolution 76 by the above-described expressions.

Here, the character constants are CHR (size per character) and flag character arrangement position (x1
, Y1). FIG. 17B shows the cases of JAN (when the flag character is in the lower position), EAN, and UPC (the number system character is in the lower position). In this case, the flag character and the number character are located below the bar. Furthermore, in the case of EAN,
As an additional character, a character can be added at a position above the bar.

Similar to FIG. 9A, the position (x1, y1) of the flag character is given by the following formula when the position of the bar code is (x2, y2). x1 = x2- (8 * magnification + CHR / 2) y1 = y2 + bar length / 2-CHRDIF1. Here, "CHRDIF1" represents the size (dots) from the lower end of the bar to the upper end of the lower character.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the distance from the lower end of the bar to the lower end of the lower character is 3.05 mm. Also, since the lower character is equivalent to 10 cpi, the following formula is obtained.
CHRDIF1 (dot) = 3.05 mm ÷ 25.4 × resolution−CHR. Thus, CHR and CHR
By obtaining DIF1 for each resolution, the flag character can be arranged independently of the resolution.

The above equations are stored in the character constant storage unit for each resolution 76. Here, the character constant is CHRDI
It means F1. Further, as shown in FIG. 17C, as for the physical distribution barcode, as shown in the same figure, the size from the lower end of the bare rubber to the lower end of the lower character is 7.0 according to the regulations.
It is decided to be mm. In addition, the distance from the left end of the bar to the center of the lower character at the beginning is 25.0 mm.

Here, the lower character arrangement position (x1, y1)
Is expressed by the following formula when the bar code arrangement position is (x2, y2). x1 = x2; (25.0mm / 25.4x resolution)-(CHR ÷
2) y1 = y2 + bar length (including bare rubber) + CHR
Represented by DIF2.

The above expression is the character constant storage unit 7 for each resolution.
6 is stored. Here, CHRDIF2 (dot) = 7.0 mm / 25.4 * resolution-CHR Moreover, a character constant means CHRDIF2. Next, the processing operation of the third embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 11A shows the processing operation at the time of initialization, and shows the processing for obtaining the expression representing the corresponding character constant when the resolution is set.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the printing device 3
2, a predetermined resolution is set, and step S30
Then, when the resolution recognizing unit 73 recognizes the set resolution, in step S31, the resolution-specific character constant calculating unit 74 calculates an expression representing a character constant necessary for character arrangement associated with each barcode type, The character constant storage unit for each resolution 7
6 is stored.

FIG. 9B shows the process up to outputting the designated bar code using the above equation. Step S35
In accordance with the resolution recognized by the resolution recognizing unit 73 for the bar code designated by the bar code type, the bar code data, the magnification, and the expansion position from the host 30, the drawing unit 75 sets the resolution for each resolution. An expression representing the corresponding character constant is read from the character constant storage unit 76.

In step S36, the drawing unit 75 obtains the position coordinates and the like of the designated bar code based on the extracted formula representing the character constant. In step S37, the obtained position coordinates and the like are held in the drawing data holding unit 87 as drawing data, and an instruction to print the barcode is issued. As described above, in the present embodiment, by obtaining the character constant associated with the barcode suitable for the resolution and printing the barcode based on the character constant, the barcode reader is easy to read, In addition, it is possible to provide a reliable and easy-to-use barcode that does not require the user to be aware of changes in resolution.

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 19, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a frame in which the distribution barcode type, the barcode data, and the distribution barcode should be accommodated in the barcode printing apparatus in which the resolution of 2 or more can be set. A distribution bar code designating unit 88 for designating a physical distribution bar code by designating an expansion position is provided in the host 30, and a resolution recognizing unit 8 for recognizing the set resolution.
3 and a resolution-specific distribution barcode value calculation unit 84 for calculating an expression representing a distribution barcode value such as the entire width, height, and margin of the distribution barcode based on the recognized resolution. The physical distribution specified by the resolution-based physical distribution barcode value storage unit 86 storing the expressed physical distribution barcode value and the expression stored in the resolution-specific physical distribution barcode value storage unit 86. Drawing unit 85 for drawing a barcode for printing, a drawing data holding unit 87 for holding the drawing data generated by the drawing unit 85, and a printing mechanism 38a.
And a data conversion unit 80.

In this example, as the type of the distribution bar code, there are provided flags relating to the presence / absence of a bearer bar and the presence / absence of an add-on. FIG. 20A shows the frame in which the physical distribution barcode data is stored. FIG. 2B shows a bar code pattern obtained by converting the bar code data designated by the designating unit of the host 30 by the drawing unit 85 of the printing device 32 using a table.

21 to 23 show the distribution bar code magnification value, bar width, bar vertical length, size of each width, distribution standard and expanded distribution bar code. FIG. 21 (a) shows the relationship between each magnification value and the bar width. When the magnification is "1.0", the minimum value of the thin bar is 1.016mm (the value according to the standard), and the dot number of the thin white bar at that time is calculated.

The number of dots a1 of the white thin bar can be obtained by the following equation. 1.016 (mm) ÷ 25.4 = 0.04 0.04 × m = a1 where m is the resolution and a1 is the number of dots in the white fine bar.
(Rounding up to one decimal place) Using this formula, the bar width table shown in FIG.

That is, the number of dots (a1) of the thin white bar and the number of dots (b1) of the thin black bar give the following conditional expression in relation to the correction. b1 = a1 -1 (dot) Since the ratio of the thin bar to the thick bar is 1: 2.5 according to the convention, the dot number of the thick bar can be obtained by the following formula.

A1 × 2.5 = a2 b1 × 2.5 = b2 where a2 is the number of dots of a thick bar (rounded to the first decimal place) b2 is the number of dots of a thick black bar (rounded to the first decimal place) FIG. 21B shows the relationship with the vertical length of the physical distribution barcode.

Regarding the bar vertical length at each magnification, since the bar vertical length is determined for each magnification, the number of dots at each magnification is obtained based on that value. Here, * in the figure (b)
Must be greater than or equal to 1/4 of the total width of the bar at magnification, plus the margin or the larger of 20.3 mm, if magnification is less than 0.8.

Further, FIG. 21C shows a formula for calculating the vertical length of the bar code. In FIG. 6C, “d” is represented by the following formula. d = 20.3 mm / 25.4 × resolution Next, the size of each width of the physical distribution barcode will be described. For physical distribution, one pattern is provided for every two characters, so the width for each pattern is as follows.

1 pattern width (PT) = black thick bar × 2 + black thin bar × 3 + white thick bar × 2 + white thin bar × 3 Start width (ST) = black thin bar × 2 + white thin bar × 2 stop width (SP ) = Black thick bar × 1 + Black thin bar × 1 + White thin bar × 1 Moreover, each margin when addon / bear rubber is specified is as follows.

Left margin width (LM) = 10.9 mm / 25.4 x resolution x magnification Right margin width (RM) = 10.9 mm / 25.4 x resolution x magnification Medium margin width (CM) = 10.16 mm / 25.4 x resolution x magnification Here , The calculated value is rounded down to one decimal place. Furthermore, the following four types are sought for each distribution standard / distribution expanded barcode.

No Bare Rubber / No Add-on The bar code shown in FIG. 22 (a). In the case of the physical distribution standard, A) Bar code width = PT x 7 (fixed) + ST + SP B) Bar code height = Bar length according to magnification + BCW where BCW = 7.0 mm / 25.4 x resolution And indicates the size from the lower end of the bar to the lower end of the lower character.

In the case of physical distribution expansion, A) Bar code width = PT x 8 (fixed) + ST + SP B) Bar code height = Bar vertical length according to magnification + BCW Bare rubber without / add-on table This bar code is This is shown in FIG.

In case of physical distribution standard A) Bar code width = PT × 10 + ST × 2 + SP × 2
+ CM B) Bar code height = Bar length according to magnification × BCWC C) Add-on bar offset = PT × 7 + ST + SP
+ CM In case of physical distribution expansion A) Bar code width = PT x 11 + ST x 2 + SP x 2
+ CM B) Bar code height = Bar length according to magnification × BCWC C) Add-on bar offset = PT × 7 + ST + SP
+ CM Table with bare rubber / without add-on This bar code corresponds to that shown in FIG. 23 (a).

In the case of physical distribution standard A) Bar code width = PT × 7 + ST + SP + LM (R
M) x 2 + BB x 2 where BB = 4.8 mm divide 25.4 x resolution (bare rubber width) B) bar code height = bar length according to magnification + BCW
+ BB × 2 C) Main unit bar offset = LM (RM) + BB In case of physical distribution expansion A) Bar code width = PT × 8 + ST + SP + LM (R
M) x 2 + BB x 2 B) Bar code height = Bar length according to magnification + BCW
+ BB × 2 C) Main unit bar offset = LM (RM) + BB Bare rubber presence / add-on presence table The barcode shown in FIG. 23 (b) corresponds to this.

In the case of physical distribution standard, A) Bar code width = PT × 10 + ST × 2 + SP × 2 +
LM (RM) x 4 + BB x 4 + CMB) Bar code height = Bar length according to magnification + BCW
+ BB × 2 C) Main unit bar offset = LM + BB D) Add-on bar offset = PT × 7 + ST + SP +
LM (RM) x 3 + BB x 3 + CME) Body bar width = PT x 7 + ST + SP + LM (R
M) x 3 + BB x 3 + CM F) Add-on bare rubber offset = PT x 7 + ST +
SP + LM (RM) x 2 + BB x 2 + CM In the case of physical distribution expansion, A) Bar code width = PT x 11 + ST x 2 + SP x 2 +
LM (RM) x 4 + BB x 4 + CMB) Bar code height = Bar length according to magnification + BCW
+ BB × 2 C) Main unit bar offset = LM + BB D) Add-on bar offset = PT × 8 + ST + SP +
LM (RM) x 3 + BB x 3 + CME) Body bar width = PT x 8 + ST + SP + LM (R
M) x 2 + BB x 2 + CM F) Add-on bare rubber offset = PT x 7 + ST +
SP + LM (RM) × 2 + BB × 2 + CM Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11A shows an equation representing a physical distribution bar code value at power-on, that is, a physical distribution bar code table and a process flow chart for creating each bar width table. In step S40, the bar code printer
When the activation instruction is issued, the resolution recognition unit 83 shown in FIG. 19 recognizes the resolution of the set barcode printing device 32.
In step S41, the resolution-based physical distribution barcode value calculation unit 84 calculates an equation for calculating the overall bar width, the bar vertical length, etc. of the barcode for each magnification value according to the recognized resolution using the above-described calculation equations. It is stored in the distribution-specific barcode value storage unit 86 for each resolution.

Further, in step S42, the calculating unit 8
4 calculates the bar width of the bar element based on the overall bar width, bar vertical length, etc. stored in the storage unit 86 and the recognized resolution, and also stores the bar width in the storage unit 86. Next, FIG. 24 (b) shows a flow chart of the process of determining the maximum magnification value and the bar width value.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the host 30
From the fact that it is a bar code for logistics, the presence or absence of bear rubber,
The presence or absence of an add-on, the barcode data, the frame in which the barcode is expanded, and the expansion position are specified. Then, in step S45, the drawing unit 85 refers to the physical distribution barcode table stored in the physical distribution-specific barcode value storage unit 86, and refers to the maximum when the width fits within the specified width of the frame. Find the magnification value.

In step S46, similarly, the drawing unit 8
5 is the maximum magnification value when it fits within the height of the specified frame,
Calculated by referring to the physical distribution bar code table. In step S47, the drawing unit 85 compares the maximum magnification value obtained for the width and the maximum magnification value obtained for the portrait, and adopts the smaller one as the maximum magnification value of the entire distribution barcode.

In step S48, the drawing unit 85 then
FIG. 2 regarding the bar width value stored in the storage unit 86.
The bar width value corresponding to the maximum magnification value is taken out based on the table shown in 1 (a). In step S49, the drawing unit 85 thus causes the drawing data holding unit 87 to store the pattern, the frame position, and the like obtained from the designated barcode data.
The maximum magnification value, bar width value, vertical length, development position, or data indicating that there is a bare rubber or add-on is held as drawing data. Then, the printing mechanism 38a prints out the corresponding physical distribution barcode based on the drawing data.

In the above example, the drawing unit is the CPU 34 and the ROM 35a provided in the bar code printer.
However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and a dedicated CPU and ROM provided separately from the CPU 34 and the ROM 35a may be provided. Further, the data designating parts 55, 63, 78, the reading device designating part 67, and the data / frame designating part 88 may not necessarily be provided in the host 30, but may be provided in the printing device 32 itself.

In the present embodiment, by printing the physical distribution barcode corresponding to the resolution and the designated frame, the barcode reader is easy to read and the user need not be aware of the change of the resolution. It is possible to provide a good and reliable bar code printer.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, the bar code reading device is made to read the bar code having various ratios, and the bar code reading device is made to read the bar code based on the readability. The optimum ratio of the thick bar width and the thin bar width for reading the code is determined.

Therefore, by printing the bar code based on the ratio, it is possible to provide the bar code printing apparatus which is easy to read by the bar code reading apparatus. The ratio between the thick bar width and the thin bar width of the bar code output by the bar code printer can be arbitrarily set.
Therefore, it is possible to obtain a bar code most suitable for reading by the bar code reader, so that it is possible to provide a reliable bar code with a high reading rate.

Further, in the present invention, by designating the bar code reading device, the bar code having the optimum ratio for the designated bar code reading device can be obtained. Therefore, a bar code most suitable for reading by the bar code reader can be obtained, so that a reliable bar code with a high reading rate can be quickly obtained by a simple operation.

Further, in the present invention, the beam diameter of the laser diameter for printing by the bar code printer is variable. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the optimum bar code for reading by the specified bar code reader or the bar code that matches the specified ratio information, so that the bar code with a high reading rate and high reliability can be obtained. Code can be provided.

In the present invention, the bar code related information suitable for the resolution is calculated and stored. Therefore, when drawing the designated barcode, the relevant information is read so that the barcode reader can easily read it, and the user does not need to be aware of the change in resolution, which is convenient and reliable. It is possible to provide a bar code printer having a certain property.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the principle of the first invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the principle of the second invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the principle of the third invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the principle of the fourth invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the principle of the fifth invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart according to the first invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to the fifth invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a device configuration according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing various tables according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printed state of a barcode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a ratio according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a determination result according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a process flow chart according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a character constant according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a processing flowchart according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a frame and a pattern of a physical distribution barcode according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a bar width value table and the like according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a view showing various physical distribution barcodes according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing various physical distribution barcodes according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a processing flowchart according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, (55, 63, 88) ... Bar code designating means (bar code designating section, physical distribution bar code designating section) 11, ... Ratio designating means 7, 12, 15, 21, 26 (49, 64, 75, 8)
5) Drawing means (drawing section) 14 (67) ... Reading device specifying means (reading device specifying section) 16 ... Per device ratio storing means 8 ... Beam diameter specifying means 17 (47) ... Readability determination means (readability determination) 18) (51) ... Accumulating means (accumulating section) 19 (48) ... Optimal ratio determining means (optimal ratio determining section) 20, 33 ... Bar code reader 22 ... Ratio storing means 23 (73, 83) ... Resolution recognition Means (resolution recognition unit) 24 (74, 84) ... Resolution-related information calculation means (resolution-specific character constant calculation unit, resolution-specific distribution barcode value calculation unit) 25 (76, 86) ... Resolution-related information storage unit (Character constant storage section for each resolution, physical distribution barcode value storage section for each resolution) 9 (88) ... Physical distribution barcode designating means (physical distribution barcode designating section)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A bar code printer capable of being connected to a bar code reader, wherein the bar codes are printed based on various ratios of a wide bar width and a thin bar width. Readability determination means for determining readability when read by a reading device, accumulation means for accumulating determination results of barcode reading for each of the various ratios, and determination results accumulated in the accumulation means. An optimum ratio determining means for determining an optimum ratio for obtaining a bar code optimum for reading the bar code based on the connected bar code reading device; and a ratio storing means for storing various ratios including the determined optimum ratio. A bar code printer having a drawing means for drawing a bar code based on the determined optimum ratio or the instructed ratio. 2. Bar code type, bar code data,
And a bar code specifying means for specifying the bar code by specifying the magnification, a ratio specifying means for specifying the ratio of the wide bar width and the thin bar width of the bar code, and the bar code specifying means based on the specified ratio. A bar code printer having a drawing means for drawing a bar code. 3. Bar code type, bar code data,
And a bar code specifying means for specifying a bar code by specifying a magnification, a reading device specifying means for specifying a bar code reading device for reading a bar code, and a bar code reading device for each bar code reading device. Based on the optimum ratio corresponding to the specified bar code reading device and the device ratio storage means that stores the optimum ratio that represents the ratio of the thick bar width to the thin bar width of the bar code that is optimal for reading Bar code printing device having a drawing means for drawing the generated bar code. 4. A barcode type, barcode data,
And a bar code designating means for designating a bar code by designating a magnification, a beam diameter designating means for designating a beam diameter of a laser beam to be printed, and a bar code designated based on the designated beam diameter. A bar code printer having a drawing means for drawing a code. 5. A bar code printer capable of setting two or more resolutions, and bar code specifying means for specifying a bar code by specifying a bar code type, bar code data and magnification. Resolving information for recognizing the specified resolution, and related information for each resolution that calculates the related information such as the formula or numerical value related to the barcode determined by the type of barcode, barcode data or magnification based on the recognized resolution. Drawing means for drawing a designated bar code based on the calculating means, the per-resolution related information storing means for storing the calculated related information, and the related information stored in the per-resolution related information storing means A bar code printer having a means.